​Most pool owners these days are looking for a more refined, renaissance, simple design. So, the days of flashy swim-up bars and flashy glass windows are no longer on the top of their list. Another thing that is being considered now is the landscape around the swimming pool since it will give a good vibe or ambiance for all pool users.   
It’s common nowadays to see a swimming pool situated in the middle of the garden. Therefore, pool designs will now include a garden and other outdoor fixture like concrete furniture as well as other elements that could add beauty to the surroundings of the pool. However, several factors should also be considered to ensure a successful design. 
If you’re planning to put a swimming pool in the middle of your garden, then you should consider the size and scale of the pool you want to put there since it needs to sit well in that area. The size must compliment your home and garden, and the pool should not overwhelm them.
Make it simple
Nearly all the pool designs these days have a simple layout and shape, and they are typically rectangular or square which sits best in the proposed location. Other features like floating steppers and swimouts may dominate the rest of the garden and may not be applicable in the area. That is why the trend now leans towards simplicity in shape, which reduced the oversized pools. So, the most popular sizes are now up to 8 x 4 metres.
Infinity-edge pools, which are a popular trend for many years, can still be a viable design, but you need to follow a clean design feature and must be placed in the correct location. So, a wet-edge pool will now look like a sheet of glass overlooking the rest of the landscape or garden.
Also, fully tiled pool interiors are now within reach by many pool owners since tiles are now more affordable and there are many benefits one can enjoy from a tiled pool. In fact, fully tiled pools are easier to maintain and clean since pool-sized have decreased, so does the costs of fully tiling them have also been reduced – making this a great option to consider even if you have a limited budget.
Technology and swimming pools
It wouldn’t be 2020 without the mobile devices or smartphones making its way into the swimming pool industry. It is now possible to control and operate the pool filtration and heating equipment from the convenience of your iPhone or Android smartphone. This technology is called Tri-link controllers, which is an intuitive system that links up to your mobile phone with the pool’s filtration system. With this technology, it is now easier to maintain a pool even if you have a busy lifestyle.
Overall, pool design trends for 2020 have evolved and now favours simple designs that complement the rest of the landscape. Most importantly, technology has come to the mix - making the life of pool owners easier since it’s now easier to maintain a pool. In fact, Pool owners wouldn’t want to maintain a complicated and huge pool, and they just want to enjoy their time in a small-sized but trendy pool. 

From brick to gravel, rock to logs, bluestone to a concrete walkway, there are several options to choose from for your backyard path. But no matter what type of materials you’ll be using, it is essential to plan the design of your pathway, because a well-planned backyard not only makes traversing easier, but it will also accentuate the beauty of your outdoor space.

Here are 6 of our backyard path ideas that you might want to consider for your property:

• Gravel path

Gravel paths are simple to construct since they aren’t set that deep. In fact, you only need to dig down a few inches just to make room for the pebbles. This type of material is ideal even in cold-weather climates because the tiny stones can move fluidly and even if it snow, it won’t leave a crack or heave on the surface the same way as a rigid material like pavers or stones. Gravel can also be a great surface for driveways.

• Stone path

Another option to consider is your good old stone path since stone can complement your yard and home. Therefore, it’s essential to choose the type of stone that is suitable for the walkway you want to create.

When buying stone for your walkway, you need to consider the climate in your area, because you live in a cold place then you might want to use dense stone like bluestone or granite. You should also use a stone that suits your house’s architectural style. If you have a contemporary home, then you should choose a stone with clean, sharp lines or module geometric-shaped stone that brings that rustic look and character of a country home.

• Paver path

Paver path uses cut stone in the shape of rectangular bricks which are placed tightly together. One of the best features of the paver path is its durability and it can withstand heavy abuse, so you can be sure that it will stay and look the same for several years. You also have the option to create a magnificent design just by placing the stones in a particular way or based on your planned design.

• Wooden step path

If you want to add more pizzazz to your regular gravel path, then you should consider building a wooden step path. To construct this type of path, you’ll need to add several wooden planks in your gravel path, but you should follow a pattern or measurement to make it look good. Wooden step path is ideal if you want to add a rustic appeal to your pathway and it’s also perfect for uneven land or gardens.
 

• Wooden boardwalk

If you want to emphasize your outdoor pathway, then we recommend you build a wooden boardwalk since it goes well with your lawn or garden. You can even construct a wooden boardwalk from the street to your house to add that rustic ambience of a country home.

• Flagstone path

Flagstone is the best stone material for your lawn or garden pathways. Its orange or reddish colour can blend well in a sunny or dry climate area and it can usually complement the greenery. If you want to use this material, we recommend that you use flagstones with different sizes so you can group them together via cement and make them look like a jigsaw puzzle. You can also use gravels to fill in the gaps so make it more beautiful.

 You don’t need to work hard to spruce up your patio because there are several things you can do to get your outdoor space in shape. In fact, there are some tips and tricks that will transform your rather mediocre patio into an amazing one.
So, no matter if you have a small or large outdoor space you can easily perk it up. Here are some ideas to help you add colour and life to your patio.

• Add a colour to your patio furniture

If you have a plain and boring furniture in your patio, you can add decorative seat cushions that can add a pop of colour in your outdoor space. This will also make your patio more inviting and comfortable for both your family and guests.

So, even if you have a small outdoor patio, it must not stop you from trying to make it a colourful and welcoming space that anyone can enjoy. In fact, decorative seat cushions are not that expensive, and they’re available everywhere even in your neighborhood home depot.

• Paint your existing patio furniture

Most of our patio furniture, especially those that we bought 3 to 4 years ago, will look a bit worn out. You may be thinking of replacing them but that’s not a cost-effective solution. You should repaint your old furniture and make them look brand new.

Also, choose a vivid colour that will set a more fun ambiance for your patio. For sure, your children will appreciate the repainted furniture and they may even spend more time in your outdoor area.

• Add some colourful and beautiful plants  

Adding flowers and shrubs will make your patio amazing and having plant life in your outdoor is a sure way to spruce up your space. In fact, if you go to the discount racks in your home depot, you can definitely score some beautiful flowers with a markdown price of over 50%.

Even if you have a small patio, you can add various plants by spacing them out and planning ahead. 

• Add glamorous lighting

Adding those amazing and glamorous lighting to your patio will bring a beautiful atmosphere to your space, and it will also create a magical outdoor oasis. In fact, adding ambient lighting will add pizzazz to your gatherings at night and lights are also perfect for your backyard.

• Elevate potted plants

If you want to create depth and space in your patio, then you might want to consider elevating your potted plants. This will provide vibrant colours to your outdoor space and it can also add a more inviting ambiance since plants will surely catch the eye of your guests.

Overall, you have the option to do these simple tweaks and update the look of your patio and make it more amazing. Are you looking for more concrete maintenance advice? Be sure to check out our other awesome tips or learn more about our professional concreting services by visiting our website at Mornington Peninsula Concreters

​Have you ever looked at a porch, sidewalk, or concrete walkway and admired its beauty but was suddenly turned off by those unsightly cracks? Concrete cracks are a normal occurrence, but it can affect the look of a concrete surface or wall if left unchecked or might even lead to costly repairs in the long run.

In fact, there are several reasons why this is happening, but the most common reason for cracks in the concrete is called drying shrinkage. This occurs when the concrete hardens and begins to shrink. Usually, concrete shrinks around 1/8 inch in twenty feet and its internal tensile stresses, and that can lead to cracks.

However, you need to understand that the key to a beautiful concrete surface or wall is proper preparation since scaling, cracking, crazing, and pitting in concrete are very common, and this usually happens due to the changes in temperature, moisture variations and changes in the soil. But there are several things you can do to prevent this from happening more often.

Here are some tips to consider so you’ll have a crack-free concrete on your property.

Avoid gaps and voids in your concrete
According to a recent study, it has been discovered that there has been an increase in ant activity in several suburbs in Australia, particularly in Perth. These little buggers are usually the culprit when it comes to voids under pavers and other concrete surfaces since this can lead to cracking due to contraction and expansion.

Although ants are not the only reason for voids or gaps in concrete since there might be a buried building material like paper, timer, or unseen root system that can eventually affect the stability of the concrete and can also lead to voids and unwanted cracking.

That is why proper consolidation is essential in achieving low levels of cracking, which means careful preparation should be taken before pouring concrete on the ground. You need to ensure that the soil is cured, and there is no buried material underneath it before concreting the surface.

Reinforced and use expansion filler
 All concrete should be reinforced after a few years of its existence. In fact, reinforcing can help strengthen concrete and can even minimise unsightly cracks opening wider. It is recommended that you also use reo bars on corners for added strength. Another thing you can do is add expansion filler, which can be used anywhere on the concrete, especially on parts where cracks are visible. Expansion fillers can also be used in between walls and along external piers or anywhere with corners.

Controlled cracking
It’s also possible to minimise cracking by placing control joints at regular intervals on a concrete surface to create a weak point, so cracks can only happen in that area. By using a saw cutting tool, a concreter can cut the weak point, which is no larger than 3 meters or possibly less.

Usually, control joints should be placed on corners and plumbing outlets, so you need to ensure that all your plumbing is well below sand level with 100mm of sand cover and must be compacted and made solid.
​
To get more tips about concrete and concreting projects, we urge you to visit our website at Mornington Peninsula Concreters for more details.

​Concrete is one of the most significant breakthroughs in the construction industry, and it is being celebrated all around the world for its aesthetic beauty, durability, toughness and value-for-money. However, it doesn’t get the credit it deserves when it comes to the amount of finishing options it can provide you.

It’s a malleable material, and you can add your own touch to the concrete to get the exceptional finish you’ve always wanted. Here is a guide to concrete finishing and these will include the following:

• Edging

This technique is used to both strengthen and beautify the concrete. An edging tool is required to give the concrete the neat, bevelled edges.

• Smooth surface

This is considered a basic concrete finish, but it is difficult to achieve. In fact, you need to be a master on the trowel and screed to accomplish a smooth finish to concrete.

• Broom finish

With this finishing option, you will get a non-slip surface, and this is common a finish in public spaces. To achieve this finish, you will need to run a broom over the top of web concrete to create little lines and ripples.

• Exposed aggregate

One of the most popular finishing options used to give a beautiful and textured visual element. Exposed aggregate is commonly used in pool surrounds, driveways, footpaths and patios.

• Salt finish

You’ll often see this finish on the surface and floors around swimming pools, and it is very easy to achieve. Basically, you’ll only need to sprinkle rock salt on the surface of the concrete and wash it away to leave little holes in the surface which is similar to the rocks along the coast.

• Stencilled

Stencilling is another neat technique to create a multitude of looks without having to pay for extra materials. This finish is usually achieved by using a stamp, stencil, and a roller which is rolled out across to the surface of wet concrete. You can even mimic a brick wall or surface using this method and it’s also much durable than tiles or bricks.

• Stamped

Another popular finishing option that can mimic natural building materials like tile, bluestone, brick, and slate. This is usually done using a stamping panel that is fitted with a design and the concrete is then stamped with the pattern while it’s still wet.

• Coloured concrete

There are several ways to add colour to concrete, but the two most popular ones are through pigmentation or adding pigments to a concrete mix and painted concrete, but this method is only applicable for earthy colours like green, grey, brown and red.

• Polished concrete

If you’re undecided on what indoor flooring option you’re going to choose, then you might want to go with polished concrete since it provides excellent value and it is easy to maintain. Most importantly, it is naturally non-slip, so it would definitely benefit you and your family.

​Concrete has been known as a strong material used in various building construction and house foundations. However, concreters in Mornington and interior designers found a way to make concrete more versatile by using them in a variety of unusual ways to produce stylistic fixtures in your house.

Here are some of the most unexpected uses of concrete and these will include the following:

Concrete Stairways
Concrete is considered a heavy material, but it can be mould into a concrete stairway that may look like it’s floating on air. In order to create a concrete stairway, a concretor must create a mould pattern first and pour the mixed concrete into the mould. Once the concrete has been cured, the concretor will now remove the mould and the solid concrete stairway is ready to use.

Concrete benchtops and sinks
Concrete benchtops and sinks are now becoming a popular trend among many households in Australia since they provide a variety of effects and ambiance to your house. It’s also more durable and stylish than its conventional counterpart which is created using marble.

Also, a concrete sink can be integrated with a concrete benchtop or the sink can be built separately. Although an integrated sink is more expensive, but the benefits outweigh the costs. In fact, a polished concrete benchtop will cost about the same as an engineered benchtop.

But a concrete benchtop is custom made for your kitchen, so it’s relatively better than any pre-made benchtops on the market.

Interior concrete rendering
Another popular trend in Australis today is rendering exterior brick walls and it’s a little bit unusual for concrete to be used this way, but it’s a popular technique worth looking into. In fact, concrete rendering walls will have three options, and this can be patterned, smooth or textured.

It’s also a popular choice among homeowners since it has that minimalist look. Some homes even render most of their walls to mimic that brick industrial look, but this technique is usually used on feature walls.

Concrete Furniture
We all know that concrete is a rock-hard surface, but it was created from a wet material, so this means it can be poured into a mould and can be used to create various types of outdoor furniture. The good thing about concrete furniture is that it’s easy to maintain and it might be the solution you’re looking for. It also provides an earthy ambiance to your outdoor recreation areas and it can also be stylish especially if you used coloured concrete.

Overall, these are just some of the few ideas to think about when renovating or building your house. A concrete can be used in a variety of ways and can be the perfect material for your needs. It’s strong, durable, long-lasting, and be a stylish feature in and around your home.

If you want to learn more about concrete and how it can be used in any of your construction or renovation projects, you can contact Mornington Peninsula Concreters for more details. They have a team of highly skilled and professional concreters who can help you with your concreting needs.

​Whether you have a concrete patio or a large concrete driveway, it is essential to extend its life and keep it looking great for several years. That is why knowing how to maintain concrete is a must for all homeowners, because it can make the difference between a concrete that people are scared to walk on versus a concrete surface that grabs your guests’ attention.

Concrete is easy to maintain, and you can handle it on your own, but you need to know the proper way to do it.  Here is a list of tips for preserving life and these will include the following:

·         Clean your concrete regularly
The best way to keep your concrete looking good is to clean it regularly. In fact, thorough cleaning using a high-pressure water sprayer can help remove dirt and debris and give the concrete surface an attractive look.

• Seal your concrete.

Another effective method to maintain the look of your concrete is through sealing. There are various types of concrete sealers on the market like topical sealers which can be applied to the surface to prevent staining and surface damage although you need to follow the manufacturer’s direction to ensure that you’re using the right amount of sealer to your concrete.

• Always remove stains immediately

Concrete sealers will help you protect your concrete floors, but it is recommended that you clean stains and spills as soon as they happen. This will help prevent any stains and discolouration and your concrete will look brand new for several years.

·         Avoiding harsh tools and other items that may cause scratches 
Heavy furniture and sharp tools should be kept away from your concrete or at least use furniture protectors on the bottom of the table, chairs and other fixtures. This will prevent any unnecessary scratches or cracks that will affect the look of your concrete surface.
 
·         Limit the weight on your residential concrete driveway
 Although concrete is a very strong and durable material, residential concrete is not designed to hold heavy materials. Therefore, you shouldn’t allow any heavy machinery or oversized vehicles like a lorry or delivery truck to park on your driveway. Heavy vehicles should only park on the street to avoid any unnecessary damage to your concrete driveway.  
 
·         Avoid using damaging substances
Lastly, never apply wax to your polished concrete floor, because it can cause irreversible damage to your surface. In fact, the wax will build up over time, resulting in a dulled finish on your entire floor.
 
We hope these tips will help you in maintaining the look and feel of your concrete floors and avoid the need for any costly repairs. We all understand that a concrete floor can be a significant investment, so you want to make sure that they stay in their pristine condition as long as possible.

If you hvae any questions, or need some help with your concrete maintenance, get into contact with Mornington Peninsula Concreters.

 The reason concrete is reinforced is simple; although concrete is incredibly strong under normal compression forces like in a driveway, it's incredibly fragile and brittle when exposed to tension forces such as the floor of a multi-story building. In order to make up for it’s lack of strength under tension and significantly increase its strength and durability, steel is embedded into it in the form of rods, cables, wire and mesh. This steel is commonly referred to as 'rebar' and, when used correctly, forms an incredibly strong bond with the concrete and renders the 2 materials into a single structure.

What Types of Projects Need Reinforced Concrete?
Many projects demand that the concrete used is reinforced so that the structure being build will be able to withstand the extreme stress being out upon it. Below is a list of some of the types of structures and projects where reinforced concrete would likely be used.

1. Large buildings absorb an immense amount of tensional stress. For this reason, reinforced concrete is used in their beams and columns as well as their floors, walls, foundations and roofs.
2. Bridges. Because of the extreme stress they undergo on a daily basis.
3. Highways, boat ramps and airplane runways use reinforced concrete because of the extreme weight of the loads being put onto them.
4. Underground sewer pipes and conduits. Water exerts an intense amount of pressure and, for this reason, most large pipes and conduits are made require rebar.
5. Wharves, lighthouses and other marine structures use reinforced concrete to resist the aggressive nature of the sea.

What Types of Projects Do Not Need Rebar?
If a project will use concrete but won't be exposed to extreme amounts of tension, regular, plain concrete can be used safely. Most of the projects that don't require reinforced concrete are smaller projects around private homes and businesses, including those on the list below.
1. Pathways don't need reinforced concrete as the stress on them is compression only and slight compression at that.
2. Driveways usually don't need to use reinforcement unless they will be exposed to very large or heavy vehicles, and even then it might not be necessary.
3. Carport floors don't usually need steel rebar for the same reasons driveways don't need it.
4. The floor for a small shed or playhouse doesn't need reinforced concrete as there are very little tension forces being exerted.
5. Patios usually don't need embedded steel unless they are very large.

As you can see, there are more projects that need reinforced concrete than don't, although most are larger, public projects. As strong as it is, concrete is much stronger when reinforced, and thus is used more often. We hope this article has given you the answers to all your concrete questions. If you need help with concreting Mornington Peninsula please give us a call.